Arlington ISD teacher raises are set to enhance compensation for educators and staff in the 2025-26 school year, as part of a comprehensive budget approved by the Arlington Independent School District (ISD) Board of Trustees on June 24, 2025. Alongside these raises, the district has introduced innovative incentives, such as free pre-K for employees’ children, to attract and retain top talent. Similarly, Keller ISD has finalized its budget, incorporating significant pay increases for teachers and staff, reflecting a regional commitment to supporting educators amid rising costs and teacher shortages.
Arlington ISD’s Compensation Plan
The Arlington ISD Board of Trustees approved a $24.6 million compensation package, ensuring all employees receive at least a 3% pay increase, with teachers eligible for raises ranging from 3% to 7.5% based on experience. This follows five consecutive years of 4% raises, demonstrating the district’s ongoing commitment to competitive pay.
Key Highlights of Arlington ISD Raises
- Experienced Teachers: Teachers with 3–4 years of experience will receive a $2,500 annual raise, while those with 5 or more years will see a $5,000 increase.
- New Teachers: First-year teachers will earn a starting salary of $66,100, with those holding a master’s degree receiving $67,600.
- Other Staff: All other employees, including teachers with 1–2 years of experience, will receive a 3% raise based on their pay grade midpoint.
- Healthcare Support: The district will increase its monthly healthcare contribution by $33, bringing the annual contribution to over $4,200 per employee.
Additionally, Arlington ISD is offering free pre-K for employees’ children, a unique benefit aimed at supporting staff and enhancing retention. This initiative aligns with the district’s goal to remain one of the highest-paying districts in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where the starting teacher salary of $66,100 positions Arlington ISD competitively.
Keller ISD’s Budget and Raises
Keller ISD, another major North Texas district, approved a $348.3 million budget for the 2025-26 school year, which includes raises for all staff. Teachers with 3–4 years of experience will receive a $2,500 raise, while those with 5 or more years will see a $5,000 increase. All other employees, including teachers with fewer than 3 years of experience, will receive a 3% raise. These raises are supported by state funding from House Bill 2, which provides retention allotments for experienced teachers.
State Funding and House Bill 2
The teacher raises in both districts are partially funded by House Bill 2, passed by the Texas Legislature in May 2025. This legislation allocates $8.5 billion to public education, including $4.3 billion for teacher compensation over two years. For districts with more than 5,000 students, like Arlington and Keller ISDs, the bill provides $2,500 for teachers with 3–4 years of experience and $5,000 for those with 5 or more years. However, districts must supplement these funds locally to ensure raises for all staff, as the bill restricts funding to teachers with at least three years of experience.
“We’re glad our teachers are getting an increase in compensation—they deserve all of this and more,” said Dr. Hafedh Azaiez, Superintendent of Round Rock ISD, reflecting a sentiment shared by many Texas educators. However, he noted that the limitations of House Bill 2 leave gaps in funding for support staff, requiring districts to tap into local reserves.
Addressing Teacher Shortages and Retention
The raises come at a critical time as Texas faces a teacher shortage, with districts struggling to retain qualified educators. Arlington ISD reported a 21.3% teacher turnover rate in the 2022-23 school year, consistent with the state average of 21.4%. Competitive pay, combined with benefits like free pre-K and increased healthcare contributions, aims to address this challenge.
Steven Poole, Executive Director of the United Educators Association, emphasized the importance of these raises: “Teachers have faced immense challenges, and competitive pay is essential to keep quality educators in the classroom.” However, he cautioned that pay alone is not enough, echoing concerns from Arlington ISD staff about the need for improved workplace culture to reduce turnover.
Broader Context: North Texas Budget Challenges
Across North Texas, school districts are grappling with budget deficits driven by inflation and stagnant state funding. For example, Arlington ISD faced a $29 million deficit in its preliminary 2024-25 budget, mitigated by federal COVID relief funds and cost-saving measures. The passage of House Bill 2 provides some relief, but districts like Arlington and Keller ISD must still rely on local funds to cover raises for non-teaching staff and early-career teachers.
In comparison, other districts like Fort Worth ISD and Plano ISD have also approved raises for Recovery efforts in Keller ISD, following a proposed split, highlight the financial strain many districts face.
Looking Forward
The approved budgets and raises in Arlington and Keller ISDs signal a commitment to valuing educators amid challenging economic conditions. Arlington ISD’s innovative benefits, such as free pre-K, set a precedent for creative retention strategies. As the 2025-26 school year approaches, these districts aim to maintain their competitive edge in attracting and retaining talent, ensuring quality education for students.
For more updates like this, contact Arlington Network.
